In his first public address since leaving office, former President Joe Biden used the term “colored kids,” a phrase now considered outdated and offensive. He used this term while discussing his motivations for entering politics.
During the Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled (ACRD) conference in Chicago, Illinois, on Tuesday, April 15, the 82-year-old former president shared his childhood experiences in Delaware, marked by segregation.
Biden recounted moving from Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Wilmington, Delaware, during his childhood, noting that he had “never seen hardly any black people” before the move. He described his mother driving him to Catholic school in Wilmington when he was in fourth grade.
“I remember seeing kids going by, at the time called ‘colored kids,’ on a bus go by — they never turned right to go to Claymont High School,” Biden said during his remarks.
He explained that witnessing black children being denied entry to public schools with white students fueled his early sense of injustice and drove his decision to pursue a political career. The phrase he used was once common but is now widely recognized as reflecting a segregated era in American history.
The 30-minute address primarily focused on defending Social Security, which Biden described as more than a government program.
Biden criticized the current administration’s Social Security policies, without directly naming President Donald Trump, accusing Republicans in Congress of attempting to “cut and gut” the program that supports around 73 million retired Americans. Expressing frustration, Biden asked rhetorically, “Who the hell do they think they are?” before adding, “I will not go further. I’ll get in trouble.”
The former president specifically criticized the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, accusing them of making damaging cuts to the Social Security Administration. He cited issues such as website crashes, delayed checks, staff reductions, and stricter identity verification as barriers for many Americans.
Biden also addressed fraud claims in the Social Security system made by President Trump and Musk. He humorously mentioned supposed beneficiaries living for centuries, expressing a desire to meet these 300-year-old recipients and learn their longevity secrets.
The speech faced technical issues from the outset. As Biden approached the podium, a Bruce Springsteen song—his introduction music—continued playing loudly, overshadowing his opening remarks and causing confusion among attendees.
At the end of his speech, Biden appeared briefly unsure of how to exit the stage. Cameras captured him standing at the podium, looking from side to side before identifying the stairs, pointing at them, and making his exit.
During the ACRD conference, Biden received an award recognizing his achievements as president, including his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a rare public appearance for Biden, who has maintained a low profile since leaving office in January.
The White House responded to Biden’s criticisms by calling his claims about Social Security cuts “an all-out lie.” Officials highlighted President Trump’s campaign pledge not to alter Social Security benefits, countering Biden’s portrayal of their policies.
Some commentators observed that Biden’s use of the term “colored kids” might remind Democrats why he chose not to seek reelection in 2024, paving the way for a younger Democratic candidate. Biden’s propensity for verbal gaffes has been a longstanding concern throughout his political career and presidency.
Biden’s speech indicates a potential return to a more active public role following months of relative seclusion. Sources close to the former president suggest he is focusing on family and planning a foundation to uphold his presidential legacy.